Domino

[Ashlyn]

Since I just bought him I figured I'd keep a log of our progress. (Although he'll be training me more than I'll be training him )

Anyway, we had our first ride together on saturday. I went in his stall and gave him a brushing over, and started to tack up. He just kinda munched on his hay, but when it came time to bridle, he was not impressed. He did the whole, wiggling lips, pulling head up routine. When I finally DID get him bridled, I took him out and just walked around the driveway a bit. Got on, and walked out of the driveway, and down the road. He was trying and trying to turn into the other driveway (there are two) and after my second time out the road, I ended up with a crop. But by the end of the ride he wasn't turning in at all. Only did some walking because I didn't wanna risk him slipping on any ice.

He now has a hay belly and no muscling, so I'm going to be working on that as best I can. He also needs a refresher course on his manners, because he doesn't seem to want to stand still to get mounted or do any work.

Anyway, I'll be updating when he gets here, which should be this week sometime ;D

[Erin ♥]

This is an awesome idea Ashlyn ! Can't wait to hear more !

[Jess]

Appreciate the cold weather while you've got it, I can tell you from experience when those blackflies and nippers get out around you'll have some interesting rides then.

[LindseyBarnie]

And horse flies.

[Pony Pony Pony]

Ashlyn, did you get your boy home yet?

[Kelesha]

I seen on Dominos horsebook that he wont be going to his new home until march, so i guess hes not home yet!

[Ashlyn]

Nope, going to have to board him until the end of march (when my step dad gets home form work) because mom worries too much and she is convinced that if kirby's not home, then something's going to happen to him..

[Kelesha]

Thats too bad I'd say your pretty anxious to get him home as soon as you can!

[Andrea]

Sounds like you've got some goals in mind already That's great.
I agree with Val on the bit thing. Cold metal on warm wet tounge isn't all that pleasent!

[Ashlyn]

Oh I did warm it He's just not used to being used a whole lot lately, he wanted to stay and eat

I do have a lot of goals in mind with him, definetly. I'm really looking forward to doing english with him, mainly I want to just work on my balance in both disciplines and become a more confident rider. Eventually I wish to learn jumping on him, if I get enough lessons.

[Pony Pony Pony]

Hey Ashlyn,
Putting a tiny bit of toothpaste or peanut butter on his bit will help him want to have it in his mouth. I had trouble with Bonnie not taking the bit for a while, once I did this a few times she started practically enjoying having a bit in her mouth (if that's possible!).

Just put a tiny bit of stuff (anything like toothpaste, peanut butter, jam, honey, etc...) on the warm bit right before you bring it up to his face and let him smell it.

Hope that helps!

[htrimm08]

try molasses!

[Ashlyn]

So I guess I'll use this to keep everyone updated.
Domino is doing very well, he's pretty much taken over the place! We now have a shelter for him, a frame + tarp, it's big enough for him to raise his head and stand up in. Today it was warm enough for me to clean his field (yay) in pj pants and a tank top so his blanket is now officially off. Me and my friends groomed him about 5 times today and the hair is just crazy ! He now follows me around, without treats, so I'm pretty happy about that. I havn't done much with him, besides walk him on a lead a bit and sit on his back while he's munching . Hopefully the snow goes soon so I can start lunging him.

[Suzanne]

Sounds like he is settling just fine Ashlyn!! You need to get us some pictures of the boy!!

[Kelesha]

Sounds great! Dont even mention the hair! lol. Omg....i went out to the barn with a hoody on yesterday and when i went to get in my car i had to take it off cause it was completely covered in hair! Katie is shedding horribly. lol. This is the worst thing about spring